AN ACT CONVERTING THE PRESENT PHILIPPINE NAUTICAL SCHOOL INTO THE PHILIPPINE MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 3680

Establishment and Purpose of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy
- The Philippine Nautical School is converted into the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. (Section 1)
- The main purpose is to produce efficient and well-trained merchant marine officers comparable to those of progressive maritime countries, capable of serving in international trade during peace and as a naval auxiliary during war or national emergency. The secondary purpose is to produce personnel for other merchant marine fields. (Section 2)

Administration and Governance
- The head of the institution is the Superintendent, who must be a master mariner appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Board. (Section 3)
- The Academy is governed by the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Board, composed of representatives from various maritime organizations and government agencies. (Section 4)
- The Board has powers and duties including conferring degrees, appointing personnel, approving curricula, providing fellowships and scholarships, receiving donations, and appropriating funds. (Section 5)
- A quorum of the Board consists of a majority of members, and processes against the Board are served on the Superintendent or secretary. (Section 6)
- The Board must file an annual report with the President on the Academy's progress, condition, and needs. (Section 7)

Academic and Disciplinary Matters
- The Academy Council, consisting of the Superintendent and instructors, has the power to prescribe curricula and rules of discipline, subject to Board approval. It also sets admission and graduation requirements and recommends degree recipients. (Section 8)
- The faculty consists of instructors and professors, and no religious test shall be applied in their appointment. They are prohibited from inculcating sectarian tenets or influencing students towards any particular church or sect. (Section 9)
- Professors and instructors are exempt from civil service examinations for appointment. (Section 10)
- The Academy has a Secretary appointed by the Board to keep records. (Section 11)

Degrees and Exemptions
- Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, major in Navigation and Seamanship, are exempted from taking the third mate examination. (Section 12)
- Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, major in Steam Engine and Electrical Engineering, are exempted from taking the fourth steam engineer's examination. (Section 12)

Transition and Appropriations
- The current Superintendent, faculty, and personnel of the Philippine Nautical School are absorbed by the new Academy, with salaries adjusted by the Board. (Section 13)
- 800,000 pesos are appropriated for fiscal year 1963-1964, with an additional 500,000 pesos for acquiring a training ship. Thereafter, 300,000 pesos shall be included annually for maintenance and operation. (Section 14)
- Inconsistent provisions of existing laws are repealed. (Section 15)
- The Act takes effect upon approval. (Section 16)